King (Fleshgod Apocalypse album)
King is the third full-length studio album by Italian symphonic death metal band Fleshgod Apocalypse. It was released on February 5, 2016, through Nuclear Blast Records. The album features a concept centered around a decadent and disillusioned king, exploring themes of power, corruption, and societal decay.
Overview:
King marks a continuation of Fleshgod Apocalypse's signature blend of brutal death metal, intricate symphonic arrangements, and operatic vocals. The album maintains a high level of technical proficiency and features complex compositions with frequent tempo changes and dynamic shifts. Musically, it builds upon the foundation established by their previous albums, Agony and Labyrinth, further refining their distinctive sound.
Concept and Themes:
The central narrative of King follows the reign of a monarch grappling with inner turmoil and the weight of his responsibilities. The lyrics delve into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of greed, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power. The album portrays a kingdom riddled with decadence and moral decay, ultimately leading to its downfall. The king himself represents a figure of both authority and vulnerability, struggling to maintain control amidst chaos and internal conflict.
Musical Style:
King exhibits Fleshgod Apocalypse's characteristic fusion of extreme metal and classical music elements. Blast beats, guttural vocals, and shredding guitar riffs are juxtaposed with soaring symphonic arrangements, operatic choirs, and piano interludes. The orchestration plays a significant role in creating a dramatic and theatrical atmosphere, enhancing the overall conceptual narrative.
Reception:
King received generally positive reviews from critics. Many praised the album's ambitious scope, technical prowess, and effective integration of symphonic elements into the death metal framework. Some criticisms focused on the density of the music, which some found overwhelming at times. Despite this, the album is widely regarded as a significant achievement within the symphonic death metal genre.
Track Listing:
- Marche Royale
- In Aeternum
- Healing Through War
- The Fool
- Cold As Perfection
- Mitra
- Paramour (Die Leidenschaft Bringt Leiden)
- And The Vulture Beholds
- Gravity
- A Million Secrets
- Agonizing (Bonus Track - Digipak)
- Die Sache ist die (Bonus Track - Digipak)
Personnel:
- Tommaso Riccardi – vocals, guitars
- Cristiano Trionfera – guitars, vocals
- Paolo Rossi – bass, clean vocals
- Francesco Paoli – drums, guitars
- Francesco Ferrini – piano, orchestration